Victory Christian extends winning streak to 28; Heritage falls

The Victory Christian football team did what it needed to do Friday night, including putting an

exclamation point on homecoming.

Halloween mystery: Why grow pumpkins?

Halloween is surrounded by mystery, and one of the greatest mysteries to Mississippi farmers is why anyone would want to grow pumpkins.

And the winner is: The Ole Miss ‘Rebel Black Bear’

The new mascot of the University of Mississippi Rebels will be a black bear, officially replacing the goateed Southern gentleman “Colonel Reb” who was banished from the sidelines almost seven years ago. Thursday’s unveiling of the “Rebel Black Bear” is the latest move in the school’s effort to distance itself from symbols of the old South.

Arrest report 10-14-10

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office reported the following felony arrests:

Oktibbeha County schools close out 2010 budget

Oktibbeha County School District officials closed out the books on the 2010 budget year when they approved the final budget in a brief business meeting Wednesday night.

Starkville arrest report 10-14-10

The Starkville Police Department recently released its arrest report for Sept. 27 through Oct. 8.

West Alabama football teams try to solidify playoff positions

If Sulligent High School Athletic Director Craig Weeks had a choice, he’d much rather have his Blue Devils battle Cherokee on paper.

In the Alabama High School Activities Association Class 2A, Region 8 standings, Sulligent (5-2 overall) is first at 4-1. Cherokee (1-6, 0-5 region) is on the bottom.

Childers hopes for campaign boost from Clinton visit

U.S. Rep. Travis Childers of Mississippi says he’s hoping for a campaign boost when former President Bill Clinton appears Thursday at a get-out-the-vote rally designed to energize college students.

Childers, Nunnelee debate in Oxford

OXFORD — North Mississippi congressional candidates exchanged sharp words at a debate Tuesday night about how loyal each would be to his party’s leadership on Capitol Hill.

Starkville city schools work on goals for the district

Starkville school board officials met over lunch Monday to hammer out two goals for the school district and to ask Superintendent Judy Couey to add items to the proposed list.

Area coaches to lead North All-Stars

Starkville Academy’s Robert Gardner and Immanuel Christian’s Ray Campbell will be the coaches for the North team at 4:30 p.m. today in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools All-Star game at Jackson Academy.

SemiSouth Labs to partner with Silicon Valley firm

SemiSouth Laboratories is set to begin a new strategic relationship with a California-based clean technology company.

Lawsuits filed against Lowndes County

The following lawsuits are among those pending in federal court against Lowndes County:

U.S. Supreme Court won’t hear two Miss. murder cases

JACKSON — The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to hear appeals in two Mississippi murder cases, including a Clay County case.

MSU alumnus visits area with new book

Brandon resident and Mississippi State University graduate John M. Floyd will sign copies of his latest mystery/suspense short story collection, “Clockwork” (Dogwood Press, 2010), at the Hamilton Public Library Thursday at 1 p.m. He’ll also visit The Book Mart in Starkville that afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

Novelist Connie May Fowler to headline 22nd annual Welty Writer’s Symposium

Best-selling novelist Connie May Fowler will be joined be 11 other authors in honoring the legacy of Mississippi University for Women alumna Eudora Welty during the 22nd annual Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium Oct. 21-23, on MUW campus.

East Carolina rallies past Southern Miss

HATTIESBURG — The East Carolina University football team did a lot of things wrong Saturday night, falling behind by 20 points in the first quarter and committing four turnovers on the road.

But with just enough clutch plays, the Pirates emerged with a 44-43 victory over Southern Miss at Roberts Stadium, breaking the Golden Eagles’ 11-game home winning streak in a Conference USA showdown.

Bulldogs run past Cougars

HOUSTON, Texas — The Mississippi State football team’s offensive line made Vick Ballard’s night pretty simple against Houston.

The junior running back rushed for a career-high 134 yards and three touchdowns, and the Bulldogs gained 409 yards on the ground in a 47-24 win over the Cougars on Saturday.

Richardson Jr. plays key role for New Hope

Games usually don’t turn on one play.

Typically, a handful of ingredients work together to lift one team past another.

Franklin Richardson Jr. made sure that formula didn’t apply Friday night.

No. 19 South Carolina upsets No. 1 Alabama

COLUMBIA, S.C. — After delivering the University of South Carolina football team’s biggest win ever, all coach Steve Spurrier could do was smile.

“I think that this game was meant to be,” he said.

The way the Gamecocks played, it sure seemed like it.